Sponge Marketing & Events, in partnership with SwimTrek, has announced new ownership of the Nevis to St Kitts Cross Channel Swim.
Jane Hansom (founder of Sponge) and SwimTrek will be jointly taking over the Caribbean island-to-island event from Winston Crooke, who founded and has nurtured the event for the past two decades.
The 2024 Nevis to St Kitts Cross Channel swim will next take place on April 6, 2024. The event is set to undergo a transformation as Sponge and SwimTrek aim to elevate it – with a goal of attracting open water swimming enthusiasts and triathletes from around the world.
The Sponge x SwimTrek partnership will seek to showcase an already well-established and popular event to a wider audience, securing its place amongst the world’s best-known international swimming events.
The 2024 event will be the 23rd year of the event. The 2.5 mile (4.1 km) swim from Oualie Beach on Nevis to Cockleshell Beach on St Kitts takes place in crystal clear, tropical waters teeming with sea life.
‘Like hands across the water, the swim bridges both islands via the ‘Narrows’, which separate the sister Caribbean islands. It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime event, included in the World Open Water Swimming Association’s Top 100 Most Iconic Swims. It’s also the perfect training event for long distance triathletes to kick start their season and test their winter swim training efforts.’
This is not the first time Sponge Marketing and Swim Trek have collaborated to promote the dual-island nation. SwimTrek has been taking swimmers to St Kitts and Nevis for the past seven years.
The ownership transition for the Nevis to St Kitts Cross Channel swim is seen as a milestone for the tourism industry in St Kitts and Nevis. As the Cross Channel Swim gains momentum and expands its international reach, it will put the spotlight on the beauty of St Kitts and Nevis.
Both islands are expected to benefit from increased tourism and an influx of participants, further establishing the islands as key destinations for open water swimming enthusiasts and vacationers alike.
Sponge founder Jane Hansom said “The Cross Channel Swim is an extraordinary event, rich in history and challenging in nature and one that I have personally participated in for the past 11 years.
“I am thrilled to collaborate with SwimTrek and bring my team’s marketing and event expertise to ensure an elevated and memorable experience for all participants. Together, we will take this iconic race to new heights, promoting the beauty of Nevis and St Kitts to a global audience.
“I am particularly hopeful to welcome more triathletes to the event as it’s a great early season test of one’s swim ability.”
SwimTrek’s founder, Simon Murie, said “We are proud to be part of the Cross Channel Swim’s legacy. We are excited to incorporate this incredible race into our international swim race portfolio, inviting swimmers from all corners of the world to experience the thrill of this iconic island-to-island swim.
“We look forward to working closely with Jane and her team to create an unparalleled event for participants and an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.”
www.nevistostkittscrosschannelswim.com
